Sep 25, 2012 8:22 AM

Here's where I'll just post from time to time on basketball in general, or once the NBA season starts, I'll talk about players and teams and stuff like that. Feel free to comment on things here that you want to post!

Wow, what a fast summer that was! Basketball practice will be here in just over a month, and the NBA kicks off their season in 35 days! (But who's counting?) Haven't been on iHoops in a while, it's good to be back! Please let me know if I can help you with anything about your game, that's what I'm here for. Anybody else SUPER pumped for this season?

Ugh! Highschool basketball! I think about it EVERYDAY! I'm just so excited! Me and the other gr.9's are trying to get a Gr.9 only team instead of 9/10 Jr Team. The Gr.10's ain't that good. They'd hold us back. Then the NBA season! I really want to see how Austin Rivers and Anthony Davis will perform!

Well, with the NBA starting tonight, thought I'd give a little preview of what I'm looking for tonight.

Game 1: (0-0) Washington Wizards at (0-0) Cleveland Cavaliers

Kyrie Irving has been cleared to play for this game (wisdom teeth removed), which is great news for the Cavs. As bad as they have been in the last couple of years, they start the season at home against a depleted Washington team. John Wall is out, and Nene is a game time decision. I see Irving and the Cavs start off the season on a good note.

Game 2: (0-0) Boston Celtics at (0-0) Miami Heat (TNT)

A rematch of last year's ECF, this game has so much drama surrounding it. A lot of it has to do with the former Celtic Ray Allen, who know plays for the rival Miami. It will be very interesting to see how that dynamic works out. Miami leads the Eastern Conference in my opinion, and Boston is at second. It doesn't seem like anybody is going to challenge Boston early for that second sport. In the east, it's clearly a race between the Heat and Celtics. I see the Heat winning this game, but Boston is going to make it extremely tough to beat them as always.

Game 3: (0-0) Dallas Mavericks at (0-0) Los Angeles Lakers (TNT)

Despite signing Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, and Antwawn Jamison, the Lakers didn't win a game in the preseason. Is this a big deal? Probably not. But we'll see how they've been coming along in an opening test against the Mavs. Both teams might be without their leading scorers. The Mavs for sure are without Dirk Nowitzki, as he isn't expected to play in the next six weeks. Kobe is nursing a sore foot, and is a game time decision. I wouldn't be suprised if he plays. I think the home team wins all three games tonight. I pick the Lakers over Dallas.

So that's my preview for Day 1 in the NBA. Thoughts? Arguments? Questions? I'd love to hear from you!